Three men have been jailed for a combined total of more than 36 years after they were found guilty of child sexual exploitation offences.
Omar Badreddin, his brother Mohamad Badreddin, Huzaefa Aleboud, and co-accused Hamoud Al-Soaimi, were each convicted in October, following a four-week trial at Newcastle Crown Court.
Their predatory behaviour saw them brought to justice following a long-running operation launched by specialist officers from Northumbria Police, in 2019.
A range of inquiries were carried out by detectives after two victims, aged between 12 and 14, had the courage to come forward to report what had happened to them.
The Badreddin brothers, plus Aleboud and Al-Soaimi were arrested and subsequently charged with various offences, including rape and sexual assault, which they denied.
But, at the outcome of the trial, on October 9, last year, a jury returned guilty verdicts.
They were back before Newcastle Crown Court, on Friday (March 1), where three of the convicted men received immediate custodial sentences and the fourth was made subject of a suspended sentence.
Omar Badreddin, 26, of Cowgate, Newcastle, was convicted of five counts of rape, plus one of violent disorder, and received the longest sentence, 18 years.
He was also made subject of an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO), handed a lifetime restraining order and will remain on the Sex Offenders’ Register for life.
Mohamed Badreddin, 23, also of Cowgate, was convicted of six counts of rape, one count of assault by penetration and violent disorder and he received a 13-year sentence.
He was also made subject of an indefinite SHPO, while he was handed a lifetime restraining order and will also remain subject to registration as a sex offender for life.
Huzaefa Aleboud, 23, of Throckley, Newcastle, was convicted of two counts of rape, plus assault by penetration and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.
He received a five-and-a-half-year prison sentence.
Aleboud was also made subject of a SHPO for 10 years and a lifetime restraining order, while he will remain on the Sex Offenders’ Register for ten years.
Co-accused Hamoud Al-Soaimi, 21, of Byker, was convicted of three counts of sexual assault and assaulting a child under 13 by penetration.
He was given a two-year prison sentence, suspended for two years.
Al-Soaimi also made subject of a ten-year SHPO, handed a lifetime restraining order while he will remain subject of registration as a sex offender for ten years.
Speaking after the sentencing hearing, the senior investigating officer, Detective Inspector Simon Drenon of Northumbria Police, said: “These men preyed on two young, vulnerable girls and their actions are completely deplorable.
“As a force, we will throw every resource we have into targeting suspects, bringing them before the courts and ensuring victims are protected and supported.
“This has been a long process for the victims and they have shown incredible strength and bravery since they first came forward.
“I know no sentence will ever take away the trauma the victims suffered, but hopefully Friday’s sentencing can serve as the first step towards they closure they deserve.
“I hope this outcome will help to give other victims of child sexual exploitation and abuse the confidence they need to step forward.”
Det Insp Drenon added: “I want to take this opportunity to urge our communities to speak to us and report any information they have around child sexual exploitation.
“If you have any concerns please get in touch with officers immediately and help prevent other children from becoming victims of these vile acts.”
Claire Wright, a Senior Crown Prosecutor with CPS North East’s Rape and Serious Sexual Offences (RASSO) Team, said: “Those sentenced were responsible for a devastating campaign of sexual abuse against two vulnerable young girls.
“Through their actions they have caused significant trauma to their victims, who continue to struggle with the effects of the numerous offences perpetrated against them.
“Despite this, both girls have shown tremendous courage in providing evidence against their assailants, which has been instrumental in helping us build such a robust case against them.
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“We have worked closely with our partners at Northumbria Police to secure the significant sentences passed, and we sincerely hope that these outcomes provide some good measure of comfort to the victims in this case.”
Should anyone wish to report any concerns or information to police, then they should visit the Northumbria force website for information as to the various ways to get in touch with officers.
Alternatively, the independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously, on (0800) 555111.
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